September is Cholesterol Awareness Month

Do you REALLY have a cholesterol problem?

Let’s dispel some of the myths surrounding cholesterol:

• Your total cholesterol number is a POOR and outdated indicator of your risk for cardiovascular disease,   and yet it is still used as a guideline for prescribing cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Your ratio of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol to “good” (HDL) cholesterol is a slightly better indicator, yet it is still too simplistic a view. The American Heart Association recommends the ratio be 5:1 or less.
• It is possible for your cholesterol to be too low. Cholesterol keeps your cell membranes fluid, and is a precursor to Vitamin D and many hormones. 
• More precise and relevant cholesterol testing includes:
  

                The size and density of your cholesterol particles; the larger and more buoyant the better
                Lipoprotein(a)
                Apolipoproteins A1 and B
                All of the above are included in our VAP cholesterol profile.


Should your cholesterol profile show you do have increased risk factors for heart disease, there are many natural interventions you can try before resorting to pharmaceuticals. Consult your naturopath to see if any of the following are right for you:

·      Niacin
·      Liver Support formula
·      Fiber formula
·      Fish oil
·      Exercise

Diet

• Increase foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: avocado, raw nuts/seeds, eggs from free range chickens (yolks need to stay runny)
• Avoid all trans-fats and hydrogenated oils such as margarine, fast foods, packaged foods, etc. 
• Eat your veggies! You need a minimum of 5 servings/day. One serving equals 1 cup raw veggies, ½ cup cooked. 
  

Center for Traditional Medicine, PC
320 Oswego Pointe Drive, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 
503 636.2734  www.MyCTM.org